About Rugby
Rugby is a game that is played in over 120 countries throughout the world. Much of its value comes from its rich history, traditions, camaraderie and community involvement with the sport.
Children as young as six greatly enjoy rugby through non-contact versions of the game. The modified versions of Rugby in Australia, created for safety and pathway development include: Walla rugby (7-8 yrs), Mini rugby (9-10yrs) and Midi rugby (11-12 yrs).
Women's rugby is also very popular at clubs and schools while many men continue to play on well into their adult years. Rugby is played both as a 15-a-side game, and is also very popular as seven-a-side. Other lesser-played versions are ten-a-side and touch rugby, where no tackling is allowed.
The object of the game is that two teams of fifteen players each, should score as many points as possible, by carrying, passing, kicking and grounding the ball with the team scoring the greater number of points being the winner of the match. It is classified as an 'end zone invasion game'. The aim of each team is to gain possession of the ball, take it into opposition territory and to place it in the in-goal area (end zone).
A Simple Guide to Rugby
Rugby is a continuous game whereby two teams carry, pass, kick and ground the ball in order to score as many points as possible, with the team scoring the greater number of points being the winner.
In Senior rugby (and under 19s), 15 people play at a time per side, each of which have specific duties as a player. Players are usually talked about in respect to two categories. Members of the first group are called the forwards, or the pack, and consist of the first eight players. Members of the second group are called the backs, and consist of the remaining players, numbered 9 to fifteen.
If a player is tackled to the ground they must release the ball, which usually results in a ruck. If a player is held while standing, a maul will usually be formed. The purpose of the ruck or maul is so that the game can continue without any stoppage in play.
The line-out and scrum are two key distinguishing factors to the game of Rugby Union. A scrum occurs when there is an accidental infringement and a line-out occurs when the ball goes out of bounds. Both of these are methods of restarting the game.
A try is scored when a player places the ball in the opposition's in-goal area. It is counted as 5 points and can be converted to an additional 2 points with a successful place kick or drop kick. Points may also be awarded from a drop kick in general play and a penalty kick. Both are worth 3 points.